Apparatus for engaging a guide pin

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/597,828, filed on Dec. 12, 2017, and entitled “Apparatus for Engaging a Guide Pin,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

0002This invention was made with United States Government support under Contract No. 6500001451 awarded by the Air Force. The United States Government has certain rights in the inventions.

FIELD

0003The following disclosure relates generally to a tool for engaging with a guide pin in a connector assembly, more particularly a shell guide pin torque tool used to attach or replace a guide pin to a connector assembly.

BACKGROUND

0004Tightening or loosening a guide pin in a connector assembly requires tools that can easily operate in small, confined spaces. Current tools are generally unable to fit into such small, confined spaces in order to engage and torque the guide pin into the connector. Additionally, current tools used to tighten or loosen guide pins can potentially damage the guide pin in the course of clamping it by scratching the gold or other metal plating. Damaging the guide pins in this way can lead to costly repairs and potentially replacing the connector in its entirety. Therefore, there is a need for a tool that can operate in such small, confined spaces while applying a relatively large amount of torque to the guide pin without damaging it.

SUMMARY

0005An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for engaging a guide pin. A housing with a hollow interior has a plunger positioned within the housing. A support tube with two or more extensions slides around a first end of the plunger. In one example an engagement mechanism is coupled with a second end of the plunger. There may be at least two contacts affixed to the extensions.

0006Particular implementations may include one or more of the following features. There may be a compression spring wrapped around the support tube/plunger. There may be a coiled spring pin going laterally through the aperture of the plunger, where the coiled spring is configured to engage with the compression spring. The housing may also contain a groove located inside the housing, where the coiled spring pin sits within the groove. Additionally, there may be a retainer clip around the second end of the plunger. The second end of the plunger may have a curved stop, where the curved stop hits a top end of a guide pin. In one example the support tube is 0.005 inches in diameter. The contacts may have a self-releasing taper angle of about eight degrees. The apparatus may be configured for use with torque wrenches or drivers.

0007Another example embodiment provides an apparatus for engaging a guide pin and torqueing it into a connector assembly comprising a housing. The housing may contain a groove located inside the housing. There may also be a plunger positioned within the housing, wherein the plunger has an aperture. There may be a compression spring around the support tube and a portion of the plunger, wherein the compression spring contacts a face of the plunger. Additionally, a coiled spring pin may thread laterally through the aperture of the plunger, where the coiled spring pin is configured to engage with the compression spring. The coiled spring pin may sit within the groove located inside the housing. A first end of the plunger fits within the support tube in one example, where the support tube has two or more extensions on one end for engaging with the pin. A button may couple with a second end of the plunger, where the button is configured to engage with the plunger. The second end of the plunger may have a retainer clip around the second end of the plunger. At least two contacts may be affixed to an end of the extensions, wherein the at least two contacts may have a self-releasing taper angle that in one example is about of eight degrees.

0008Particular implementations may include one or more of the following features. The support tube may be 0.005 inches in diameter. The apparatus may be configured for use with standard torque wrenches or drivers.

0009Implementations of the techniques discussed above may include a method or process, a system or apparatus, a kit, or a computer software stored on a computer-accessible medium. The details or one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and form the claims.

0010The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> is a cut-away side perspective view of the apparatus, according to one embodiment.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref> is another cut-away side perspective view of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b>A and <b>3</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the housing portion of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>4</b>A and <b>4</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the plunger portion of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>5</b>A and <b>5</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the contacts, according to an embodiment.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>6</b>A and <b>6</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the support tube, according to an embodiment.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>7</b>A and <b>7</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the engagement mechanism, according to an embodiment.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref> is a flow chart of the operation of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b>A</figref> shows a cut-away exploded view of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b>B</figref> shows an exploded view of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b>A</figref> is an image of the apparatus held by a user, according to an embodiment.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b>B</figref> is an image of the operation of the apparatus by a user, according to an embodiment.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>11</b>A</figref> is an image of the operation of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>11</b>B</figref> is a further image of the operation of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>12</b>A</figref> is an image of the apparatus engaging a pin, according to an embodiment.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>12</b>B</figref> is an image of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

0027These and other features of the present embodiments will be understood better by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the figures herein described. The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0028This disclosure relates to an apparatus for engaging a guide pin that includes a housing and a plunger positioned within the housing. The plunger may have an aperture as well as a first end and a second end. A support tube may surround the first end, and an engagement mechanism may couple with the second end. There are two or more extensions on one end of the support tube for engaging the pin. Additionally, there may be at least two contacts affixed to the extensions.

0029Previously, guide pins were designed to attach to connectors and could not typically be sufficiently tightened to the proper torque with existing torque tools. These guide pins could loosen over the course of producing and installing the connector assemblies or through use of the product in the field. Existing tools do not easily and safely engage the guide pin to torque it into the connector. Additionally, existing tools tend to damage the metal plating on the guide pins, thereby affecting the quality of the guide pins that could affect signal integrity.

0030Thus, and in accordance with an embodiment of the present system, techniques and architecture are disclosed for an apparatus for engaging a guide pin. The present tool allows for installing guide pins that is small enough to engage the guide pins in a very confined space that could still withstand hundreds of pounds of force. The tool is able to go over the guide pin and clamp onto it without damaging the metal plating. The tool housing contains a plunger interiorly disposed in the housing, a support tube, a compression spring, and a coiled spring pin. The plunger may be centrally positioned within the housing and may have a first end and a second end. The plunger may also have an aperture that runs through it and the support tube, and the coiled spring pin may run through that aperture. The support tube may encase the first end of the plunger.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>1</b> and <b>2</b></figref> are perspective views of an apparatus for engaging a guide pin configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one example, the apparatus may be configured to work with a guide pin having a diameter of 0.113 inches, which is one of several standard dimensions. This tool in one design was specifically configured to work in a very confined space surrounding the guide pin, which in one example was only about 0.210 inches wide and operated with only 0.049 inches of space between the contact and the connector walls. The tool had to open up when installing it over the guide pin sufficiently to not mar the gold plating on the guide pin and then had to be strong enough to be able apply generous torque to the guide pin. This required the ability to withstand hundreds of pounds of force applied to the guide pin flats and not open or spread, yet, easily release with a gentle push on the release button. The use of a self-releasing taper angle to wedge the contacts against the flats provided enough outward motion to clear the guide pin for release, and apply the required force and be locked, and sufficient travel inward to grip the flats. The design of the tool in this example also considers possible damage to the delicate parts which are required with only the 0.049″ inch of working space and be able to have a gentle release force as the metal tube that pushed the contacts could be 0.005 inches thick and might buckle. For example, the release mechanism can release with a gentle 3-6 lb push on the release button. The design of the tool in one example constrained the small size tube between the housing and a mandrel with minimal clearance to prevent buckling. The travel range of the fingers/contacts was limited in one design to prevent damage or bending when exposed in its released position. An inner mandrel/post was dimensioned and radiused in one example to prevent the operator to be able to open the tool and push it too far against the connector body, bending the contact supports. In one example the radius shape of this mandrel matches the radiused tip of the guide pin as to minimize the normal forces exerted onto the guide pin, further preventing damage to the gold plating as the contacts could slide out beyond the tip of the housing and be susceptible to damage. The apparatus can be scaled to work with guide pins of different diameters such as larger guide pins using a larger tool.

0032In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>, the apparatus <b>10</b> includes a housing <b>100</b> that contains a support tube <b>103</b> and a plunger <b>101</b>. The housing <b>100</b> may be created from selective laser sintering or other manufacturing processes. In one example the plunger <b>101</b> is a one continuous piece of metal, such as stainless steel. The plunger <b>101</b> may also be made from titanium and other comparable metals or materials having similar pliability and characteristics. An engagement mechanism or button <b>106</b> is coupled to the plunger <b>101</b> allowing for pressing or engaging the plunger <b>101</b>. The button can be integrally formed. The apparatus <b>10</b> may include an extended or gripping section <b>108</b> used for holding the apparatus during operation such as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b>A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b>B</figref>. In one example, the support tube <b>103</b> may have a diameter of about 0.005 inches. Additionally, the plunger <b>101</b> may have an aperture <b>102</b>. The aperture <b>102</b> may laterally extend through the plunger <b>101</b>, thereby creating a passage from one side of the plunger <b>101</b> to the other. In one embodiment, the aperture <b>102</b> may also laterally extend through the support tube <b>103</b>, thereby creating a passage from one side of the support tube <b>103</b> to the other. This may allow the aperture <b>102</b> to create a passage that lines up between the support tube <b>103</b> and the plunger <b>101</b>.

0033Alternative embodiments of the apparatus <b>10</b> may include a retainer clip <b>104</b>. The retainer clip <b>104</b> is configured prevent the plunger <b>101</b> from coming out too far when it is released, thereby keeping the plunger <b>101</b> within the housing <b>100</b>. The shape of the portion of the plunger <b>101</b> adjacent to the retainer clip <b>104</b> may also help prevent the plunger <b>101</b> from coming out of the housing <b>100</b>. A spring <b>105</b> is retained within the slot or chamber <b>107</b> and maintains pressure on the plunger <b>101</b>. Alternative embodiments of this apparatus may be scaled up to any size required to fit larger guide pins. This apparatus may be used with Amphenol connectors to tighten and loosen the guide pins. These examples are not meant to be limiting in any way. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this apparatus may be used with other connectors and may be scaled to different sizes in order to be compatible with different configurations.

0034In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>, the apparatus <b>15</b> comprises the support tube <b>103</b> and contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> secured to the end of the support tube <b>103</b>. The contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> may be secured to the end of the support tube <b>103</b> by welding. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> may be secured by some technique other than welding and can also be integral if additively manufactured. A coiled spring pin <b>200</b> may run through the aperture <b>102</b> of the plunger <b>101</b>. In one embodiment, the aperture <b>102</b> may also laterally extend through the support tube <b>103</b>, thereby creating a passage from one side of the support tube <b>103</b> to the other. This may allow the aperture <b>102</b> to create a passage that lines up between the support tube <b>103</b> and the plunger <b>101</b>, thereby allowing the coiled spring pin <b>200</b> to keep the support tube <b>103</b> and the plunger <b>101</b> aligned.

0035In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>, a compression spring <b>105</b> may wrap around the plunger <b>101</b>, allowing the compression spring <b>105</b> to interact with the coiled spring pin <b>200</b>. This interaction may occur when the engagement mechanism <b>106</b>, which is connected to the plunger <b>101</b>, causes the plunger <b>101</b> to compress the compression spring <b>105</b> against the coiled spring pin <b>200</b>. Alternative embodiments may include a retainer clip <b>104</b>, which may help prevent the plunger <b>101</b> from coming out too far when it is released. The shape of the portion of the plunger <b>101</b> adjacent to the retainer clip <b>104</b> may prevent the plunger from coming out of the housing <b>100</b>.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b>A and <b>3</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the housing <b>100</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>3</b>A and <b>3</b>B</figref> show where the support tube <b>103</b> and plunger <b>101</b> would be situated within the housing <b>100</b>. The plunger <b>101</b> and the support tube <b>103</b> fit within the housing <b>100</b>. The housing <b>100</b> may have a hexagonal shape to one of its ends, thereby allowing a standard torque wrench to grip the housing <b>100</b>. The housing <b>100</b> may also include a groove <b>300</b> in which the coiled spring pin <b>200</b> sits. This groove <b>300</b> may prevent unwanted rotation of the plunger <b>101</b> and the support tube <b>103</b>.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>4</b>A and <b>4</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the plunger <b>101</b> component of the apparatus. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b>A</figref>, the plunger <b>101</b> may have a first end <b>401</b> and a second end <b>402</b>. The plunger <b>101</b> may have a curved stop <b>400</b> at the first end <b>401</b> of the plunger <b>101</b>. This curved stop <b>400</b> may be configured to match the shape of the head of the guide pin and may prevent the support tube <b>103</b> from buckling due to excessive applied force. The curved stop <b>400</b> in one example makes direct contact with the head of the guide pin. This curved stop <b>400</b> may also prevent the plunger <b>101</b> from extending too far over the guide pin. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>4</b>A and <b>4</b>B</figref>, the aperture <b>102</b> may laterally run through the plunger <b>101</b>, thereby allowing the coiled spring pin <b>200</b> to pass through the plunger <b>101</b>. The second end <b>402</b> can have an opening <b>405</b> that is adapatable to secure the button. In one example the compression spring goes around the support tube and a portion of the plunger and is in contact with an extended section <b>406</b> of the plunger <b>101</b> such that the extended sections or face <b>406</b> compresses the compression spring when the button is depressed.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>5</b>A and <b>5</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> that attach to the end of the support tube <b>103</b>. The contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> may be laser welded onto the ends of the support tube <b>103</b>. The contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> may be affixed in a manner that provides a thinner end of the contact <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> toward the coiled spring pin <b>200</b>. The contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> in one example are affixed to the ends of the support tube <b>103</b>, ensuring that the thinner ends of the contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> are oriented towards the compression spring <b>105</b>. The contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> may have self-releasing taper angle of approximately eight degrees, which provides enough outward motion to clear the guide pin for release. The contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> may allow the apparatus to engage with and grip the flats of the guide pin. These flats may be inboard of the guide pin diameter. The self-releasing taper angle may also allow the apparatus to apply the required force and lock while providing sufficient travel inward to grip the guide pin. This taper angle may prevent the contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> and the support tube <b>103</b> from sticking to the end of the housing <b>100</b> that engages with the guide pin. In one example the end of the housing <b>100</b> includes a tapered and rounded section <b>502</b> that allows the support tube and contacts to smoothly retract and deploy. The contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> in one example has an interior flat surface <b>505</b> for engaging the pin and an exterior rounded surface <b>510</b> that allow for smoother deployment and retraction within the housing.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>6</b>A and <b>6</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the support tube <b>103</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b>A</figref> shows a support tube <b>103</b> having a first end <b>600</b> having two or more legs or extended portions <b>605</b> to which the contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> may be attached. The support tube <b>103</b> may have a second end <b>601</b>, which would face towards the engagement mechanism <b>106</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b>B</figref> shows the aperture <b>102</b> running laterally through the support <b>103</b>, thereby allowing a coiled spring pin <b>200</b> to sit within the aperture <b>102</b>. The first end <b>600</b> includes two or more legs or extension <b>605</b> that are formed with a memory shape to have s force to extend apart from each other in an outward direction. The length of the legs <b>605</b> are sufficient to extend from the tube <b>103</b> and engage with the pin.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>7</b>A and <b>7</b>B</figref> are perspective views of the engagement mechanism <b>106</b> of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the engagement mechanism <b>106</b> may be a button. The engagement mechanism <b>106</b> may allow the plunger <b>101</b> to interact with the support tube <b>103</b> in order to grip the guide pin in a connector assembly.

0041Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref>, one embodiment of the method of operation <b>800</b> using the apparatus with a guide pin in a connector assembly is illustrated. The tool is selected according to the connector size, which in many cases is a standard size connector. The tool can come in multiple sizes to engage different sized connectors. A method for using the apparatus includes pressing the engagement mechanism to activate and engage the compression spring wrapped around the plunger <b>802</b>. The method also includes extending the contacts at the end of the plunger <b>804</b> and engaging the guide pin in a connector assembly with the contacts <b>806</b>. These contacts may be affixed to the plunger. The method further includes releasing the engagement mechanism <b>808</b>, allowing the plunger to fixedly couple with the guide pin in the assembly. Then the apparatus may turn in a direction to tighten or loosen the guide pin within the assembly <b>810</b>. Pressing the engagement mechanism disengages it from the guide pin <b>812</b>.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>9</b>A and <b>9</b>B</figref> illustrate an exploded view of the present tool. The button <b>106</b> may be configured to couple with the second end of the plunger <b>101</b>. The plunger <b>101</b> on one end is configured to fit within the support tube <b>103</b>, where the coiled spring pin <b>200</b> runs through both the plunger <b>101</b> and the support tube <b>103</b> to ensure that the plunger <b>101</b> and coiled spring pin <b>200</b> remains in place. The compression spring <b>105</b> may wrap around the plunger <b>101</b>, thereby allowing the compression spring <b>105</b> to engage with the coiled spring pin <b>200</b>. The retainer clip <b>104</b> may help prevent the plunger <b>101</b> from coming out too far when it is released by preventing the plunger from coming out of the housing <b>100</b>.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>10</b>-<b>12</b></figref> are images showing the operation according to one embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>10</b>A and <b>10</b>B</figref> illustrates how a user may engage the apparatus <b>10</b> of the present disclosure and press the engagement mechanism <b>106</b> to extend the contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> of the support tube <b>103</b>. When the contacts <b>201</b>, <b>202</b> are extended, the apparatus <b>10</b> fits over the guide pin <b>1000</b> of the connector assembly <b>1002</b> such as an electronic module. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>11</b>A and <b>11</b>B</figref> illustrates how a user may slide the apparatus <b>10</b> over the guide pin in order to fit the apparatus <b>10</b> securely over the guide pin.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>12</b>A</figref> illustrates the apparatus engaged with a guide pin of the electronic module <b>1002</b>, where the engagement mechanism is released so that the apparatus is securely fit over the guide pin with the contacts gripping either side of the guide pin. In one example the apparatus includes a torque mating section <b>1010</b> that engages with a torque wrench so that the pin can be torqued to the proper level as prescribed in the manuals for the guide pins. The torque wrench (not shown) in this example slips onto the mating section <b>1010</b> which in this example is a hexagonal shape. The mating section can be square, hexagonal, star or similar shape to engage the torque wrench. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>12</b>B</figref> illustrates a different embodiment with the engagement mechanism or button having an elongated cylindrical shape.

0045During operation of one example, the user may place the device between the middle and index fingers on the gripping or extended portion and depress the button with a thumb to deploy two or more extensions using one hand that can be used to engage a guide pin. As the button is depressed, the plunger advances and the extensions extend from the housing. In one example the extensions include tapered contacts. The extensions are made to have an inherent outward pressure or memory shape that creates a separation between the contacts that allows the contacts to fit around the guide pin when extended. When the button is fully depressed, the apparatus is placed over the guide pin such that the extensions go around the pin and one end of the plunger contacts the head of the pin. As the button is released, the compression spring pulls the support tube extensions inwards across the open end of the housing that applies inward pressure to the extensions that thereby applies pressure to the guide pin. Once the pin is fully engaged, the user can remove or tighten the pin. In one example, a torque wrench is coupled to the apparatus and proper force is applied to the pin. To release the grip of the pin, the user depresses the button which extends the extensions that separate and release the grip on the pin.

0046The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

0047A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.